Chicago Auto Show: Limited-edition Mopar '13 Dart to be unveiled

Chrysler's Mopar division will unveil the Mopar '13 Dart at the Chicago Auto Show next week. The automaker says only 500 copies will be made.

Chrysler's Mopar division will unveil the Mopar '13 Dart at the Chicago Auto Show next week. The automaker says only 500 copies will be made. (Chrysler)

David Undercoffler

Chrysler announced Thursday that its Mopar aftermarket brand has a new limited-edition Dodge Dart in the works.

The company says the Mopar '13 Dart will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 7.

Just 500 copies of this compact Dart will be made. It's the fourth consecutive year that Mopar has released a limited-edition model. The car follows Mopar editions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger and the Chrysler 300.

This Mopar Dart comes with the most powerful engine available in the Dart lineup, a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In stock form, this motor makes 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

Chrysler didn't release the specs of the Mopar Dart, though it could see a small increase in power from the performance exhaust that's included. This engine will route power to the front wheels through a manual transmission. Other modifications include retuned steering, a lowered suspension and premium brakes with slotted rotors.

Exterior tweaks include a ground-effects kit and 18-inch alloy wheels painted black. The Dart features the same color scheme as its recent Mopar predecessors; gloss-black paint is accented with a blue stripe running the length of the car.

Inside, the Mopar Dart will feature a blue leather driver's seat, while the rest of the cabin will be black with blue trim. A 8.4-inch touch screen infotainment system with navigation will be standard, as will an industry-first wireless charging system for smartphones.

The Chicago Auto Show opens on Feb. 7 and Highway 1 will be covering all the highlights of the show. Stay tuned for more.